The state of Michigan has now expanded its Concussion Law to include all physical activities, even those not related to the MHSAA (Michigan High School Athletic Association). These school activities include physical education classes, intramural and out of season camps or clinics.
Countless discussions have taken place between school superintendents across the state on how to interpret this ruling and the way it will effect schools. It has been the consensus to err on the side of caution. Thus my recommendation is that we provide concussion information to all parents K-12 ideally at the time of registration, and signed acknowledgement forms be kept on file.
To be in compliance, the following steps need to be followed:
Step 1
Ensure coaches, employees, volunteers, and other adults, who are involved with the participation of athletes in the district's athletic activities, participate in a concussion awareness training program. The training video from the CDC that fulfills this requirement may be accessed here.
Step 2
Provide educational materials on the nature and risks of concussions to each student participating in athletic activities and his/her parent or guardian.
Step 3
Obtain an acknowledgement receipt from the student and his/her parent/guardian and maintain the receipt in a permanent file for the duration of the student's participation in athletic activities or until the student is 18.
Concussion Acknowledgement Receipt
Resources
The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has developed a website with information and resources to help those involved in youth sports, along with parents and young athletes, to comply with the law, and learn more about sports concussions. This website offers links to the laws, as well as tools, information, and trainings, including online training courses from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) "Head's Up" Program, that are essential for compliance. Visit here.
